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About the EventThe Lion’s pride roared loudly with 430 compassionate, generous women at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s annual Lion of Judah Luncheon at the Polo Club on Wednesday, January 11. Inspiring and elegant, the celebration of their philanthropy and its impact was headlined by accomplished businesswoman, fundraiser, philanthropist and documentary filmmaker Nancy Spielberg, and chaired by Wendy Koolik and Carole Sue Lebbin-Spector.

The luncheon also honored the community’s 65 new Lions, as well 33 increased-level Lions, and celebrated the more than 45 years as one of the country’s largest prides. Also recognized were the nine Lions forever who endowed their annual gifts in the past year – bringing the total of local Lion of Judah Endowments to 283. South Palm Beach County has long led with the largest number of LOJEs at any community in the country.

The endowed Lions lost over the past year were remembered with a moving candle lighting ceremony, and a special tribute to Ellen R. Sarnoff, a past Women’s Philanthropy and Federation Board Chair.

Lisa Friedman Clark, a proud, active Lion and LOJE from New York, shared her breathtaking story highlighting “the very fine line between being a donor to Federation and a recipient” through her experience as a cancer survivor and 9/11 widow.

With introspection, inspiration and humor, Nancy Spielberg, the luncheon’s keynote speaker and another proud Lion of Judah, spoke warmly and openly about her highly creative family, and her Jewish and career journeys.

For more information about the Federation’s Lion of Judah program and other women’s activities and opportunities, visit jewishboca.org/womens or contact Susan Levine at 561.852.6034 or SusanL@bocafed.org.